The International Training Institute (ITI) has become the first private institute in Papua New Guinea to earn CPA Australia Accreditation for a locally developed degree, the Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF).
It marks a significant step in the institution’s academic development in the country.
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Chairman and co-founder of ITI Mr. Senthil Kumaran Sentheyval announced it today at a media conference in its Badili Campus, Port Moresby.
Mr. Kumaran’s announcement follows that the program is fully approved and registered with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), and is recognized by three leading professional accounting bodies:
– CPA PNG
– CPA Australia
– Institute of Public Accountants (IPA-Australia)
Co-Founder Kumaran said the achievement makes ITI the first private institution in Papua New Guinea to have a locally developed accounting degree recognized by CPA Australia.
He pointed out the program, which was launched earlier this year, is ITI’s first bachelor-level qualification and is already underway.
“This accreditation means our students can now access international pathways comparable to Australian degree holders,” Mr. Kumaran told reporters.
Under the arrangement, graduates of the program will be eligible for associate membership with CPA Australia upon completion of their studies, Mr. Kumaran said.
They can then undertake six professional modules and complete the required work experience to become fully qualified CPA members.
He explained that CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies, with more than 170,000 members across over 100 countries.
The recognition allows ITI graduates to pursue employment opportunities both within Papua New Guinea and internationally, Mr. Kumaran said.
In addition to CPA Australia, ITI has also established pathways with CPA PNG and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) in Australia, he said.
This provides graduates with access to three professional accounting bodies, offering flexibility in career progression.
He explained that students are not required to complete CPA PNG before pursuing CPA Australia.
Graduates can directly apply for international certification, while those intending to work locally can meet CPA PNG requirements separately.
“On completion of the degree, our students automatically qualify for associate membership with CPA Australia and IPA, while CPA PNG follows its standard professional process,” he said.
The program also recognizes prior learning, allowing diploma holders to receive exemptions toward the degree.
ITI is further exploring options to enable students to sit professional examinations within Papua New Guinea to improve accessibility.
The CPA Australia accreditation process took nearly five months and involved a detailed assessment of ITI’s curriculum, academic standards, staff qualifications, and facilities.
This included virtual inspections to ensure the program meets standards equivalent to Australian institutions.
Mr. Kumaran noted that while pursuing CPA certification is optional, it provides a strong advantage for students seeking career advancement, particularly in international markets.
Graduates with CPA qualifications may access opportunities with global firms such as KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
ITI expects its first cohort of degree graduates within the next two years, with current diploma students progressing into advanced stages of the program.
Looking ahead, the institution aims to expand its academic offerings and work toward achieving university status.
Plans are underway to upgrade all diploma programs to degree level within two years, alongside the introduction of additional degree programs and pathways into master’s studies through partnerships with other institutions.
He said the long-term vision is to create a complete education pathway, enabling students to progress from diploma to degree and into the workforce with internationally recognized qualifications.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of ITI’s faculty and staff, whose commitment to academic excellence and professional standards made this accreditation possible. “